A crowbar is useful both as a weapon and a tool. In combat its damage potential is less than a Monkey Wrench's but greater than a branch or a other non-weapon appliance, and it has slightly longer reach. Using it as a tool while looting results in a better chance of scavenging, albeit at an increased chance of being detected and greater risk of getting hurt by the debris.

One disadvantage of the crowbar is it's encumbering 2x14 size, making it necessary to carry by hand or on a vehicle. Alternatively, some sort of strap can be attached to it, allowing the character to carry it on the shoulder.

When used as a melee weapon the crowbar causes severe bruising and internal damage but rarely breaks the skin. As with all melee weapons, the crowbar is much deadlier in the hands of a combatant who is Strong and/or skilled with melee weapons.

As a tool, the crowbar has two main functions while looting. It can be used to break locks on locked storage sheds, allowing access for players without lockpicking. If selected as an item on the scavenging screen it will increase the loot gained bar at a small loss of safety.